Definition ∞ Governance proposal risk pertains to the potential negative consequences arising from the submission, approval, or execution of a proposal within a decentralized autonomous organization’s governance framework. This risk includes the possibility of introducing vulnerabilities, making economically unsound decisions, or enabling malicious actors to manipulate protocol parameters for personal gain. Flawed proposals can compromise system security, financial integrity, or operational stability. Effective risk assessment and community vigilance are essential to mitigate these dangers.
Context ∞ Governance proposal risk is a prominent concern in the decentralized finance (DeFi) and broader blockchain sectors, frequently highlighted in news reports about contentious votes or successful attacks on DAOs. Discussions often revolve around the mechanisms for proposal review, voter participation rates, and the concentration of voting power among large token holders. The ongoing evolution of on-chain governance models seeks to reduce these risks through improved design and community engagement.